Android's Andy Rubin did give a little insight into the process, and how it'll work going forward.

Basically, hardware manufacturers bid to become the platform for that year, then work closely with Google for the development of their Nexus device before releasing it late in the year. And that's not going to change, even with this acquisition. One of the biggest points to remember is that the Motorola end will continue to be run as a separate business. That means it'll have to go through the same Nexus process it's presumably been going through, just like everyone else.

Here's what Rubin had to say on the matter:

We have this strategy where we have this Nexus program, and we have this lead device strategy. That strategy has worked quite well to help focus the team.

What we do is that we select each -- around Christmastime of each year -- we select a manufacturer that we work very closely with to release a device in that time frame. That includes, also, semiconductor companies and all of the components that go in the device.

Essentially the teams huddle together in one building. They jointly work in these development efforts -- they go on for nine to 12 months. And ultimately at the holiday season, or right before it, devices pop out that are based on this effort.

We don't expect that to change at all. The acquisition is going to be run as a separate business. They will be part of that bidding process, and part of that lead development process. And obviously Android remains open to other partners to use as they are today.